Thursday, February 26. 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 3
Savage struggle displayed in art
By Sara Anderson
By Sara Anderson
sanderson@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Chancellor Robert Hemenway reclaimed his position as a scholar yesterday as he gave a historical account of the influential African-American artist Agusta Savage.
Chancellor Robert Hemenway talks about the work of a renowned African-American artist, Agusta Savage. Savage did a bust of a kU alumna, Hugh Samson, which is on display at the Spencer Museum of Art. The presentation was part of African-American History Month. Photo by Eileen Bakri / KANSAN
Hemenway delivered the half-hour presentation to 45 students and staff at 12.15 p.m. yesterday at the Spencer Museum of Art.
The museum recently acquired one of Savage's works Portrait of Hugh Samson, a sculpture of the 1938 University of Kansas graduate. The free event was part of African-American History Month.
"I enjoyed learning about her," Hemenway said. "Here's an artist not many people know about that when you plug in the ingredients of her life, you find an interesting story."
Savage was one of the early advocates for the recognition of African-American artists.
Hemenway said the acquisition was important because it represented Savage's history of struggle and overcoming barriers.
"The piece is important because the obstacles to her success were so great that after she died, only 19 pieces of her work could be found and only a few of those pieces are in museums. I feel privileged that we have it here," he said.
The presentation included slides of Savage's works and quotes, letters and interviews about the artist.
Dan Middleton, Lenexa senator, said he came because of an extra-credit
assignment, but he found the program worthwhile and intriguing.
"I had no idea who she was before today," he said. "I don't know that much about Black history so I'm glad I came to learn more. She was pretty interesting."
As an influential African-American artist and teacher who worked in Harlem during the 1930s, Savage battled discrimination throughout her career, including being denied admittance to a prestigious French art school because of her race. She opened a studio school in Harlem, which later became one of the largest in the country.
Portrait of Hugh Samson was one of
Portrait of Hugh Samson was one of
the few portraits of a Caucasian
man. Her other works focused on contemporary black leaders.
After meeting Savage in 1934, Samson was impressed with her work and helped sell her sculptures. Savage sculpted the piece in honor of Samson's efforts and their friendship.
Andrea Norris, Spencer Museum of Art director, said the museum received the piece by chance last fall through a dealer who offered it to the University. The sculpture has been displayed since November.
"Agusta Savage was an important woman artist in the 20th century," she said. "This is an a particularly appropriate work for us to have because he's a KU grad and a good friend of hers."
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